Press Releases
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Calls for Demilitarization in Ferguson and Investigation to Determine Truth and Ensure Justice
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee released the following statement on the tragic death of Michael Brown and the ensuing violence in Ferguson: “The death of Michael Brown is a tragedy and I offer my heartfelt condolences to Michael Brown’s family, friends and the entire Ferguson community. The deaths of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown serve as sad examples of the senseless murders of young African American men. As the mother of two black men and the grandmother of two black … Continue Reading
August 12, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Hosts Economic Development Forum Featuring Secretary Penny Pritzker
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Lee hosted a Regional Economy Development Forum featuring U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker. The forum focused on generating greater regional economic development including job creation, business growth and available resources for expanding economic opportunities for the East Bay business community. The forum has a special emphasis on local small, women and minority-owned businesses. “Small businesses are fundamental to the East Bay’s economic … Continue Reading
August 12, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Praises Changes to Armed Forces Regulation Allowing Natural Hairstyles for Women of Color
Oakland, CA - Today, Congresswoman Lee released this statement following Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s response to concerns raised by the women of the Congressional Black Caucus over U.S. Army Regulation 6701: “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.” “African American women make up more than thirty percent of enlisted women. They, like all servicemen and women, deserve policies that are respectful and inclusive. As the daughter of a veteran, I recognize the need for … Continue Reading
August 08, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee issued this statement upon receiving news of U.S. airstrikes in Iraq: “I support strictly humanitarian efforts to prevent genocide in Iraq. While the President has existing authority to protect American diplomatic personnel, I remain concerned about U.S. mission creep in Iraq and escalation into a larger conflict, which I oppose. There is no military solution in Iraq. Any lasting solution must be political and respect the rights of all … Continue Reading
August 06, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on the 49th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement on the 49th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965: “Today, our country commemorates the 49th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant achievements of the Civil Rights Movement. For nearly five decades, this law has protected the bedrock of our democracy: the right to vote. While we celebrate this milestone, we must also remember that the voting … Continue Reading
August 04, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Awarded National Medical Association's Scroll of Merit
Congresswoman Lee issued the following statement upon receiving the National Medical Association’s Scroll of Merit: Washington, DC - “I am deeply honored to receive the Scroll of Merit award from the National Medical Association whose president, my constituent and friend, Dr. Michael Lenoir, has led the organization forward in meeting the challenges and opportunities of the Affordable Care Act. Since its founding in 1895, the NMA has advanced health equity and access for the African … Continue Reading
August 04, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Denounces Alleged USAID Undercover Democracy Promotion Operation in Cuba
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee, a member of the Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement in response to reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) engaged in undercover operations to encourage political change in Cuba: “I am appalled by recent reports that the U.S. government orchestrated and funded clandestine democracy promotion efforts under the guise of public health and civic programs. More … Continue Reading
August 01, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on Republican Anti-Immigrant Measures
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Lee issued this statement following the passage of several extreme Republican anti-immigrant measures: “I am shocked at the inhumanity and lack of consideration for vulnerable children that I saw this evening on the House floor.” “Earlier this week, I listened to testimony from children who have made this harrowing journey. Their stories reminded me of the words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty and America’s history as a refuge for millions - Republicans … Continue Reading
July 31, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bill to Provide Financial Relief for Caregivers
WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) introduced the Elder Care Tax Credit, a bill designed to ease the financial burden on the growing number of families with multi-generational care-giving responsibilities. “As Americans live longer, more and more families are responsible for both young children and parents aging in place,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This ‘sandwich generation’ shoulders a heavy financial burden while receiving negligible government support. Most … Continue Reading
July 31, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Measure to Strengthen and Expand Anti-Poverty Programs in America
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced legislation to take measurable action to lift Americans out of poverty and create opportunities into the middle class. “My Pathways Out of Poverty Act starts with creating good paying jobs that will lift families out of poverty and into the middle class while strengthening our social safety net for those still struggling,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “When we create good paying jobs and lift people into the middle class, we … Continue Reading
July 30, 2014
Tri-Caucus Members Introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2014
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2014. HEAA was formally introduced this morning by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, the bill’s lead sponsor and the Chair of the CHC Health Task Force. HEAA builds on the advancements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by … Continue Reading
July 29, 2014
Bipartisan Group of House Members Introduce Resolution on South Sudan
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (NY-16), Rep. Frank Wolf (VA-10), Rep. Michael Capuano (MA-7), and Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10) introduced H. Res. 689 yesterday. The resolution supports efforts to end the conflict in South Sudan and encourages greater engagement to alleviate the humanitarian crisis there. The resolution also praises efforts by the Intergovernmental Authority on … Continue Reading
July 29, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Introduces Bill to Advance U.S. Leadership Abroad
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced legislation to re-authorize U.S. participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Congresswoman Lee is one of two U.S. House of Representative representatives to the United Nations. “The Inter-Parliamentary Union is a vital venue for the promotion of freedom, human rights and strong democratic institutions at the global level,” said Congresswoman Lee. “As the founding member and long-time participant, the U.S. must rejoin this … Continue Reading
July 26, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Expresses Concern Over Escalating Crisis in the Middle East
"I remain deeply troubled by the ongoing and escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mourn the tragic loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel." “It is clear there can be no military solution to this conflict and I call on all parties to agree to an immediate and indefinite ceasefire." “The only way for peace is to ensure Israel's security free from rocket attacks and a two state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side." "This military action and the terrible … Continue Reading
July 25, 2014
Congresswoman Lee’s Assessing Progress in Haiti Act Passes Congress
Washington, DC - Today, the Assessing Progress in Haiti Act passed the House of Representatives and is headed to President Obama’s desk. An early version (H.R. 3509) had passed the House in December but was amended by the Senate. “Following the devastating January 2010 earthquake, the U.S. was quick to act in support of the Haitian people. However, our policies need greater strategic direction and oversight,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Nearly five years later, we need to provide more … Continue Reading
July 25, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Praises Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Stop Endless War in Iraq
Washington DC - Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan McGovern-Jones-Lee resolution which requires the President to seek Congressional authorization before deploying armed services engaged in combat operations in Iraq. “This resolution reclaims Congressional responsibility in matters of war and peace. In 2001, Congress gave the Administration a blank check for endless war and it’s long past time for Congress to take back that authority,” said Congresswoman … Continue Reading
July 24, 2014
Rhetoric Doesn’t Match Reality in New Ryan Poverty Proposals
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee issued the following statement in response to Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s anti-poverty proposals in his so-called “Expanding Opportunity in America” discussion draft. “I am pleased Chairman Ryan is joining the conversation about poverty. Congress needs to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and undertake important steps to reform our broken criminal justice system,” noted Congresswoman Lee. “Beyond this, the proposal puts a … Continue Reading
July 24, 2014
Congresswoman Lee Accepts “Live the Wage” Challenge
Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee has accepted the “Live the Wage” challenge hosted by the Raise the Wage Coalition. “I hope by accepting this challenge, I will bring greater attention to the need to raise the minimum wage and work towards a living wage,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Too many American families are working full-time, often at more than one job, and still not making ends meet.” For the challenge, Congresswoman Lee will attempt to live on a minimum wage salary, like an … Continue Reading
July 20, 2014
Progressive Caucus Calls on Congress to Let Diplomacy Work on Iran Nuclear Deal
WASHINGTON - Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Reps Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), along with Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jim Moran (D-VA), John Conyers (D-MI) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) released the following statements today after an agreement was reached for a four-month extension on negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program between the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, Russia (P5+1) and Iran. “News of a four month extension in … Continue Reading
July 18, 2014
Congresswoman Lee's Statement on Tragic Crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement concerning the tragic crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17: “My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families, friends and loved ones of those killed in this terrible crash.” “Many of those on board were en route to the 20th International AIDS Conference and I had the privilege of working with them over the last two decades. They will be missed but their work, passion and drive to end this epidemic lives on in … Continue Reading